Shloka 18
भीष्मस्य जलप्रार्थना — अर्जुनस्य पर्जन्यास्त्रप्रयोगः — दुर्योधनं प्रति सन्ध्युपदेशः
Bhīṣma’s request for water; Arjuna’s Parjanya-astra; counsel to Duryodhana on reconciliation
स छिन्नधन्वा विरथो हताश्वो हतसारथि: । चित्रसेनरथं राजन्नारुरोह त्वरान्वित:,राजन! धनुषके कटने तथा घोड़ों और सारथिके मारे जानेपर रथहीन हुआ जयद्रथ तुरंत ही चित्रसेनके रथपर जा बैठा
sa chinnadhanvā viratho hatāśvo hatasārathiḥ | citrasenarathaṃ rājann āruroha tvarānvitaḥ ||
Sañjaya sprach: O König, als sein Bogen zerschnitten, sein Wagen kampfunfähig, seine Rosse erschlagen und sein Lenker getötet waren, stieg Jayadratha, nun ohne eigenen Wagen, eilends auf den Streitwagen Citrasenas.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the battlefield ethic of swift adaptation: when one’s weapons and support collapse, a warrior immediately seeks alternative support (an ally’s chariot) to continue the fight. It reflects the severe, practical demands placed on kṣatriyas, where resolve and resourcefulness are tested under extreme conditions.
Jayadratha’s bow is cut, his chariot is rendered useless, and both his horses and charioteer are killed. Left chariotless, he hastily climbs onto Citrasena’s chariot, continuing his participation in the battle.